OTO 2002/016

Framework for assessing human factor capability.

Describes an initial study to develop a means of assessing how
capable and mature companies in the offshore industry are in managing
the human contribution to safety throughout the procurement and
development of offshore platforms and systems . The professional
discipline covering this area is known as Human Factors (HF). Is
intended to be used principally by HSE inspectors. The framework
defines eighteen characteristics each representing a different aspect
of HF and linked to a key element of successful health and safety
management as defined in HSG65 (Successful health and safety
management). Each characteristic has links with recommended HF
activities from HSG48 (Reducing error and influencing behaviour) and
is aligned with ISO capability models, the Design Safety Maturity
model and the Safety Culture Model. Each characteristic is described
in relation to the five levels of the capability scale. Proposed
links with the UK Health and safety legislation and HSG48 have been
identified. Recommendations are made for further development
activities. In particular, for the framework to be successfully
applied to the offshore industry validation activities should be
conducted. This work should seek to ensure that the HF
characteristics are valid and complete and that the capability and
maturity scale can be simply applied.